We have so many reasons to be upbeat about living in Santa Cruz County, not the least of which is the quality and variety of music. On any given night you can hear top-flight jazz, rock, folk, country or classical.
And compared to other markets, most of it is affordable and a lot is free. Christina Waters previews an upcoming symphony season that would merit a long-distance drive.
This symphony adds new twists to the classics, even a piece written by avant-garde musician Björk. If there is a criticism of our symphonic venue, it lacks perfect acoustics.
One of the pieces, Ceremonial Music, is composed by local Martin Gaskill, who explains: “I have the advantage of knowing what the Civic Auditorium acoustics are like, what the orchestra and audience setup is like, how the orchestra sounds, and who many of the players will be…I’ve got no anxieties about the concert.”
Another piece you will want to see and hear is a 25-minute concerto for orchestra and animated film, called Philharmonia Fantastique, which explores the connection between creativity and technology.
Last week Kristen McLaughlin covered the new crosswalk in Capitola with bright flashing stop signs and lane markings separating bikes and pedestrians from cars. Every time I drive by it, I wonder why the rest of our county doesn’t catch on. We have a horrible rate of bike and pedestrian injuries that could be partially solved with better-marked signs.
Some states have reflective tape on signposts that make them unmissable at night. Others have now put bright solar-powered lights on the poles holding traffic signals.
I’m disappointed that our highly paid county traffic bureaucrats haven’t done anything creative like these.
The newest exhibit by the Museum of Art & History is something to get excited about. Called “Common Ground,” it takes place in and out of the museum and includes sand art by Jim Denevan and his son Brighton, who will create a sand drawing that’s also a community collaboration.
The Denevans are known around the world, but I’m not sure if everyone here knows them. You should.
Thanks for reading.
Brad Kava | Editor
PHOTO CONTEST
FILM AWAY Shot on Kodak Portra 400 film, developed at Bay Photo. Photograph by Jesse Fox
GOOD IDEA
The Santa Cruz Interfaith Dayenu Circle: A Climate Action Group is hosting ClimateFest at Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos, Sept. 22 from 11:30am-4:30pm.
State Senator John Laird will speak at noon about how our voices can make a difference.
There will be live music, food, art, eco-fashion, kids activities and spiritual offerings. Attendees will learn how to advocate for climate action, find out the latest on home electrification and electric vehicles, engage in creative and experiential workshops and get tips on plant-based eating.
GOOD WORK
METRO is giving free fares to the Santa Cruz County Fair Sept.11-15.
There is a special bus, Route 79F, for free daily service to the Fairgrounds. There will also be free service on Route 79, Sept. 14,15.
Riders will receive discounted County Fair tickets from the drivers. Discounts are $15 for adults ($7 savings) and $5 for children ($6 savings).
Service will depart the Watsonville Transit Center on the hour from noon–10pm on weekdays and 10am–10pm on weekends and will offer a return trip at 25 past the hour from 12:25–10:25pm on weekdays and 10:25am–10:25pm on weekends.
For more info: scmetro.org/countyfair.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”
—Benjamin Franklin
